THANK YOU & FAREWELL

Today is the 100th post of the Weekend Designer and the last one for this blog. It seems like a good place to stop as I believe I have made my point that everyone is a designer and that making your own pattern “isn’t rocket science”. Weekend Designer has been a fun project as I have discovered the world of blogging and explored desktop publishing. My aim with the subject matter is to show how to execute those creative ideas for your wardrobe and home through pattern drafting. Some of the drafting techniques used were traditional flat pattern methods, drafting by height, transfer grids, simple block designs, and sometimes no pattern at all. While the examples cited are not complex, I have been able to show that making your own patterns is not a talent that you are born with nor a blessed gift, but simply a learned skill. It is like learning a new language. The more you practice it, the more fluent you become. Pattern drafting will allow you to make your creative ideas into reality.

Fabrics, trims, buttons, and embellishments are among our favourite resources for expressing our creativity in fashion design. There is something particularly special and rewarding about designing and wearing your own creations or decorating your home interiors. Garments speak a language; they are an extension of yourself, expressing personality, aspirations, moods, and style. When you know you look great, it’s only natural to feel positive and confident about yourself. The same can be said of our home decor.

You do not have to be an expert to be your own designer. With simple pattern modifications and some common sense ( sometimes a bit of trial and error too), you can create your own design details. When combined with the ideal fabrications you can realize your own creative visions.

You’ve probably discovered many sources of inspiration from the Weekend Designer. Here are some design tips and advice to help you turn that inspiration into creativity.

Be Disciplined – Pattern-making can be hard work and takes concentration. A defined work-space and a preplanned time frame are often helpful. Try to plan creative time every day, or whatever time is available to your lifestyle. Planning a time frame in a space where you can concentrate will help slow down your ideas so you can actually be productive with them. If you’re in a hurry or if the ideas come too fast, it’s difficult to convert them into a design.

Be Prepared – Pattern-making is a skill. However to make that skill work to its best advantage, you need the proper tools and supplies. Take precise and accurate measurements. It does not matter whether amounts are in imperial or metric but be consistent with whichever you choose. The applied math is basic but if you cannot convert fractions then use a calculator as an aid. Get a long straight ruler (yardstick) to draw lines, a set square to make 90° and 45° angles, a French curve to draw curved lines and a tracing wheel. You are only as good as your tools you use. Get a good sewing reference book. The more you know about sewing construction, the more you can expand on your pattern-making.

Set Goals – Channel your creativity by setting goals. Let your goals grow as you grow in your knowledge of pattern drafting. Perhaps your goal is to resolve a particular design challenge or to redesign a fashion detail and integrate it into your next design. Know that pattern drafting will eventually free you of “cookie-cutter” fashion and develop a personal made-to-measure style. One technique that I always use is to begin each project with a list of “what do I see”. This will set up your thinking as to how to proceed with your pattern-making.

Value Mistakes – Believe it or not, mistakes can be beneficial. They cause us to search for a different and often better way. They facilitate experimentation with new materials, techniques, or styles. Mistakes or challenges are an important part of the design process because they provide unique opportunities for creativity. Always make a toile or muslin fitting to test your pattern before cutting into your fashion fabric. Don’t be disappointed if it does not ‘turn out ‘ on the first attempt as planned; that is what toiles are for. These mock-ups allow you to modify the end result, correct the pattern, and work out the sewing/assembly process.

Temporarily Let Go – When you have a creative block or cannot find a resolution to a design problem, there comes a time when it may be more productive to stop working on the pattern drafting. Let it go; do something else. While you have consciously stopped thinking about the problem, your mind is still working on it. Sometime we get too close to see the answer; however when we step back there is room for clarity.

Enjoy the Process – don’t forget the reason why you’re doing this. Is this your hobby, your career, your creative release, your personal time for indulgence? Even if your concentration is on the end product, don’t forget to have fun with the process of pattern drafting.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the readers of Weekend Designer for their interest, comments, compliments, and encouragement. Many of you have set up links to this blog and made referrals to it in your sewing groups. Thank you for your support. Imagine my surprise and delight when I made the Top 100 Blogs on WordPress; it was all your doing.

I’m sad to hear this….but I so understand. I have just recently discovered your blog and felt empowered. Please say they the blog will be here to access, at least for a little while so I can go back over all the old posts—I still have so much to learn!

Thank you so much for such a great blog. I only discovered you about six months ago but in that time I’ve really enjoyed what you’ve put out here and you have definitely set me free from my dependence on traditional patterns. I’m sad to see you go. Good luck in all you do!

Thank you Netty. I have only presented a small example of basic pattern-making skills. There is a whole world of drafting to explore… bias-draping, stretch fabrics & knits, leather & skins, patterns for children, plus-sizes, adaptive clothing, etal. Check out your local library or favourite bookstore.

I’m heartbroken to hear that this will be the last post. I hope that the blog archives and such will remain up for awhile as I’ve come to rely on them for reference; as well as I’m sure your other readers. That said, I wish you the best in all your future endeavors! Thank you for having de-mystified pattern drafting for me.🙂

OH, NO! I have just recently become acquainted with this site, and in just a few months, have come to greatly enjoy your wonderful contributions. I’m so sorry to see it stop. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time and energy you’ve spent sharing your expertise and experience with us. How remarkably generous.

I only recently discovered your blog, and have been pouring over it ever since. Thank you for the thought and generousity that went into this site. I hope it will remain accessible for some time. All the best for your future adventures.

Thankyou so much for taking the time to help demystify some of the techniques of pattern making for all of us. Also thankyou for being so free with your help when asked I really have appreciated it.
I wish you well for the future and I am really going to miss your blog.
Carole-Anne

I have SO MANY of your posts marked as something I should do “soon!” I feel like you’re leaving before I got a good chance to get to know you! Thank you so, so, so much for the patterns and the practice and the inspiration!

Dear Don, I am truly sorry to see you leave here. The high point of a day was to see you had posted a new design. I have one question, will this site be archived? I’m very new to blogging and don’t catch all of the rules immediately. I would like to keep referring readers here; your site is too useful to just “go away.” Cordially, Nehmah

Thank you so much for your inspiration! You blog and encouragement gave me the courage to alter patterns that did not fit me properly, and also helped me draft my own pattern (I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m getting there!). Luck and blessings in all your endeavors!

Thank you, Dani…. remember to make up a toile to “test” the fit of your patterns before cutting into your fashion fabric. Designers often use inexpensive cotton muslin in a similar weight to their fashion fabric.

I only just found your blog a month or so ago and have been book marking pages to come back to to try, actually I was going to start from your first post and work my way through, like “Weekend Designer school”. I hope to still do this and better hurry before your blog disappears from the blog universe, I hope not as it such a wonderful and unique reference and I like so many others thank you so much for spending the time to do this.
I hope that I find your “new endeavour” .
Anyway, I tend to write books, so I will just say.. Thank you and the very best with whatever you decide to do next :))

I totally agree with your post today, specifically the parts about having a daily routine and making toiles. I learned pattern fitting and basic drafting by practicing every day after work at a table in my tiny living room. I made my first well-fitted garment after at least 5-6 failed attempts. I was so happy to find your blog because you dared to say it’s not rocket science, and that’s what I’ve been telling people for years. It just takes practice.

While making patterns is not rocket science, it is no small feat to prepare such clear instructions and diagrams such as those that you posted on this blog. Your work is greatly appreciated.

Thank you Ms M.
It always amazes me that my design students pout whenever their first attempt does not match their visions. Professional clothing manufacturers make upteen mock-ups and samples of new designs before they are approved for market. I recommend it for any new pattern before you cut into expensive fashion fabric.

I have never before left a comment on your blog, and I am sorry that the first will likely be the last. I have enjoyed your blog for a few months now, especially your mathematical approach to pattern drafting. This approach makes sense to me in a way that pinch and pin techniques never have. I will miss your posts,and I hope you have a new project waiting on the horizon.

Very sad to see you go. I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment on here myself but I’ve been bookmarking your patterns for myself to try. It’s sad that you will be discontinuing this blog, but I totally understand the effort it takes to maintain. I used to be a blogger myself, and blogging can be quite tedious!

I used to draft patterns back in Fashion school (almost a decade ago) but I left my major for another field. I haven’t been keeping up since and this is a very good refresher for it.

It’s been great having this blog around, and hopefully you keep this online for a while so I can still access some of your patterns.

Thank-you for taking the time to blog. I have really enjoyed your posts and the way in which you have dissected fashion. Whilst I am sad that this is the last post, I also wish you well for your next adventure.

Thanks a ton for the motivation your posts gave me to pursue pattern making. I took up a course on fashion design and am still a novice trying to de-mystify patterns of various outfits shown on fashion shows. Much of the credit goes to blogs like yours which inspire us to aspire for more. Kudos to your good work. ALL THE BEST FOR ALL YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS.

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into your blog. It has been a wonderful resource and one of my favorite sewing sites. I’ve learned much from your concise directions. Thank you again and all the best to you.

Only discovered this site in fairly recent times and sorry to see it go. I am sure that you have been a great source of inspiration for many people and have allowed them to explore their own creative processes. Many thanks for all you have brought to this world of creativity.

Your “experiment” was quite a success, and you made your point. Thank you for the time and effort you took to create and run this blog. You are an inspiration for all of us, who practice sewing craft, and I am sure you set off fear many beginners in this creative hobby.
I agree with you – pattern drafting is just a skill, and requires a lot of practice and patience to master it. But, once you’ve drawn into it, it is such a rewarding and fulfilling workmanship.
We will all miss you.
Best, Ana

hi,
i was so happy when i found your blog a few months ago, put it in my google reader for sure.and so sad when i read this last post of yours.i’m still learning to sew, will surely dig deeper in this lovely blog, thank you so much for sharing. all the best for you. take care🙂

Oh, dear! I am trying not to be sad that you are ending your blog, because you have been so gracious and encouraging, and like everyone else who has posted, I have taken so much from you already. Thank you for your extraordinary generosity in sharing your expertise. I’ve loved learning about patternmaking and I love wearing the garments you’ve taught me to make. Here’s wishing you great joy in your next ventures.

I agree with Deb, please write a book, I will definitely buy at least 5 copies, so your book can be passed on to my daughters, my future granddaughters etc. You make pattern making very easy to understand and that is a great gift. I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your knowledge, you are a very, very generous person.

I am fairly new to your blog, but I too am quite sad to see it go. The way you broke down patterns just seemed to make sense. I have learned several new things while reading your blog and I thank you for sharing your ideas, patterns, and words with us.🙂

I have loved your blog and learned so much … you will be sorely missed but I understand your need to move on to other things … a big THANK YOU from another fan and best wishes for your future endeavours!

OH NO, you can’t go! I am so sorry to read that you are leaving. Your blog and you have been amazing. I have so enjoyed reading and learning from each new post – you are a great teacher. You have really taken the mystery out of pattern making. Best of luck with your future endeavours!

I only discovered your blog last week – read every post, and was wowed by your talent and generosity. I respect your decision and bookmarked this treasure of pattern designs, methods and instructions. Thanks and best wishes in whatever you chose to pursue!

You did a great service to seamstresses with your blog. You demystified pattern making and showed how a little math can help them to create patterns all on their own. Great job! I often draft my own patterns for clothing for myself and my kids and am amazed that more accomplished seamstresses don’t do it more. It’s really not all that difficult with a bit of measuring.

I am so sorry to see you go as I have just discovered your blog, but I am so very impressed by your insight and expertise. I wish you abundant success in your new endeavors. Thank you for your hard work.

Like everyone here, I’m very sad that you’re finishing up, but totally agree with all your thoughts about dressing and making for yourself etc and have just LOVED reading your blog. I hope that you leave your archives here because I’ve not made anything yet (from your blog), but often compared techniques etc and have always thought I’ll get round to making something one day.

As someone who is totally self taught in sewing (learning from vintage patterns), I have thoroughly enjoyed your tutorials and advice (as it’s helped me know I’m doing the right thing and not lost in the wilderness of my own lonely sewing room), and so I thank you! All the best!

I feel sad but I have to thank you.
I began to study patternmaking and sewing this summer and when I have no time to go to classes, I discover your blog.
It´s another form of Patternmaking so useful that I was happy I would continue learning.
Thank you very much for your work, tips, your dedication and all.

It’s not been too long since I’ve discovered your blog and became a fan. Just wanted to say big thanks!
And please let us know if you decide to blog again or publish anything.
I wish you all the success you deserve, which is a huge success!

Oh, I am so sad to hear this. I recently came across your blog this year. I looked forward in checking out what you chose to show “us” in pattern making. Good Luch to you in your next project and pls. drop a line to let us know what that next project entails. Take Care!

I just found your blog and you are already done. I am heartbroken. I LOVE IT!!!! I will have to read the archives. Just wonderful information here, and now that I am retired from my “real” job and working part time in a bridal /alterations /custom sewing business, I try to sponge up any and all design information I can. Thanks for doing this blog.

This has been one of my favorite websites since I found it and I am so very sorry that you are ending it, although I am very grateful for the tutorials and for the way you made sewing and pattern-drafting accessible to the average person. Thank you for all of the inspiration and know that you will be sorely missed in the blogosphere!

Thank you so much for sharing all these projects with us. It was always a delight and surprise to see what you were up to. You pushed my ambitions of pattern drafting/making/dyi so much further.
so again, i can’t say how much i thank you for setting up this wonderful blog!
I wish you all the best🙂
Sonja

Oh, I hope you will leave your website up for those of us who come back and look through old posts. You really did de-mystify patternmaking and I am so grateful.
Thank you and enjoy your next projects!

I am so bummed that you are leaving. I am new to the sight and was so excited to find you. I am going to attempt to teach my granddaughter to sew today and I was looking for a simple pattern that we could work on that would be her own design. Best of luck to you and I think there is plenty on here to keep us busy. If you decide to blog again – you have my e-mail. I will surely follow ti.

Thanks Don for a really inspiring website (and yes I plagiarised your tag line – it’s not rocket science!) Your generosity in sharing so much useful info is much appreciated. Hope you will keep your archives up on-line – they are a great resource.

Do all good things really have to end? I’m from India and have been a great admirer of your work. Your blog has been a great source of inspiration. I’m a beginner at sewing and have a long way to go. Thank you Don for sharing your knowledge with all of us. Will miss your blog. Hope you’ll let all your followers know if your start another blog. Wishing you all the best for the future.

I LOVE wkdesigner. It’s my absolute favorite place to come for fun things to make. I’m very sad to see you go – there were even tears. I hope you leave it up – I will still reference it a lot!
Thanks for all you’ve done to empower and embolden us. Pattern making is now fun, and less daunting than before. Teah Petersen

All I can do is simply echo everyone else — thanks so much for your skills and incredible generosity. Your blog has set a new standard of quality with your taste level, clarity of instructions, beautifully written and carefully edited commentaries. Please don’t forget to let us know of your future projects. You have many fans who will be waiting!

I think I have been following you for more than a year now, you inspire me so much and I was always so excited when you would post something new!
Thank you so much for everything you learned to all of us, all the best to you!

i want to thank you so much for your inspiration – you’ve encouraged me to try sewing, and i really love it. You’ve also proved that its not just for the professionals, and that even i can give it a go – whether it turns out wearable or not doesnt really matter, its all good fun and experience.

Thank you, Kris….I’ll let you in on a secret… the professionals (clothing designers, etc.) rarely achieve what they envision on the first try. It has to do with spatial skills. Basically, we make 2-dimensional (2D) patterns on paper and cut it out in fabric (which is almost 2D) but we have to fit a 3D shape (human body). Through experience and trial & error, they often get something that is very close but rarely ideal. To verify the new design, they make a toile, which is a muslin mock-up, of the pattern and fit it on a live body. It is then that they truly see how well the pattern fits and if the style and shape of the pattern is what they envisioned. Fabric is added or eliminated to create the final look and these changes are then transferred to the pattern. The pattern is cut once again, usually this time in the fashion fabric, to make up a sample and only then is the style judged marketable or not.
WD

You have been such an inspiration & your generosity in sharing these patterns has been amazing. Thank you for all you have given us. I have only read your blog for about 6 months but have waited eagerly for everyone of them.
many thanks, Good Luck & God Bless.

ohhh no, I´ll miss your news so much indeed, It ´s so sad, but I understand now it´s a big job keeping your blog updated and so, I ve followed from the beggining you help me a lot at the end of the way let me say: fantastic job !!! well done !!! THANK you so much 😉

Oh no!!! This is such sad news! This has been one of my favourite places to visit. I want to thank you sincerely for all the work you have done on the subject of patternmaking and for all the wonderful patterns you have made available to us without renumeration. Somehow, I had this wierd feeling that this was coming. Strange!
You will be missed, terribly missed. Please keep this blog up for reference for us hobby- stitchers and patternmakers.
Wishing you all the best and PEACE!

I just found you on the web and is a shame I didn’t before! Enjoyed everything I’ve seen so far. I’ve been out of the fashion design scene for many years, since I’ve dedicated myself to raise a family, and left my professional fashion degree aside; I’m just recently interested in getting back in. Too bad you are not available anymore for updates and feedback, but best wishes in your new pursuit in life.

Thank you my dear for your generous encouragement to us all to find our own creativity. I have always liked your modesty, too. You will be missed. I have been visiting from the start but never left a comment before, I made the thistle bow tie for my sons prom and printed out the tie tying guide, he was full of praise for both.
Best wishes for your next adventure.
Many thanks again. Suzie.

Thank you so much for your site. I have really enjoyed it. I am really sad that you have felt compelled to do something else. You will be sorely missed. I have not found another site that begins to compare with this one. Hopefully I will find another designer willing to design for us po folk. Again, I cannot thank you enough.

I know and 15 years ago I would have done it. I sewed all the time then. Then became self employed and quit sewing for 15 years. Now I want to sew again but with a 91 year old mother and a 75 year old sister living with me, I once again don’t have the time or place to sew. The sewing machine is now pushed to the corner to make room for Mom’s stuff. Maybe I should throw out the computer and then I’d have the time and a place! LOL

Oh no.. I just discovered your blog today, and here it says that you`re closing it:(
I hope for sure even though you won`t post anything more, that you`ll leave the blog open so we can still use it. Cause I have to say, this looks amazing:D …I`m just about to learn how to make my own patterns, and looking through your blog I can tell it`s gonna help me a lot:D
So even though I`m a late “viewer” I thank you for making this blog, I will definately use it effectively:D

hi don
im a fashion school graduate and i find patternmaking fascinating.unfortunately in most colleges these days they are more interested in churning out “designers” than people who can actually draft patterns and cut/sew them beautifully-which is what i believe the traditionalists like ysl were all about.how the hell are you going to design if you dont know how its made?what i would like to know is where you are based and whether it would be possible to do one on one tutorials or perhaps in smaller groups .pls pls say yes!im willing to travel abroad if necessary!

Aww, I show up after the party ended. =>_<= But I'm glad your posts are still here! Would you be willing to offer some advice on a project? I was thinking the front of this was made in 3 pieces, but now i think it's a dart and the lapel piece. With the sleeves being 2 piece raglan sleeves? http://www.shardann.com/Collections/FW08/FW08_Page_3.html
thanks for any help you can give.

After checking the used copy of Designing Apparel Through the Flat Pattern, yay ebay, i thought it had a shoulder dart too. I’m so glad I asked before trying anything with the fabric! (i got 3 yards of brocade.)
2 questions, is there a specific name for the type of sewing patterns you designed. Where you use your measurements to make the pattern. I’ve only seen one other person use that technique (I really love it, you can make clothes for any size or shape! Big, small, young, or old! that’s a wonderful thing.) the second question is, is there a name for sewing patterns on grids, where each square=inch? I found a book of clothes that uses that and wanted to try to search for more.

I’ve just stumbled on your site today. I’m a new seamstress but recognize the magnitude and value of the information you’ve given so freely here. I understand why you’ve called it quits but I had to still say thanks anyway.

I have only recently discovered your blog, and somewhere in the comments realized that you’re Canadian. I have a small independent pattern company and could use some Canadian contacts to assist with pattern drafting and grading. Can you contact me privately?

Love your blog and am sorry to see it go. But completely understand the effort it takes to maintain it and the need to move on to new projects.

I just discovered your blog and am blown away by how upscale the projects are. They are not the “basic” items everyone is making. They all begin to look alike. Everything you have made looks very high quality. I am so disappointed I have just found you and you have already retired from your blog. The consolation I do have is I now have several years of your blogs to read and enjoy and learn from. Thank you and I hope you find yourself happy with the decision.

I happened upon your website just as you were saying goodbye. Yet, I maintained the link under favorites as I wanted to make the last item you featured. Happy, happy, joy, joy, today I learn you’re returning and, even better, with the intent of crafting accessories! Yes!

With you all the way especially if some of the patterns feature leather.

I’m so thrilled that I came across this blog, I’m so sad that there will be no more tutorials and I’m so grateful to you for doing such a wonderful job. You are a very special person, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and skills.